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Engineering Officer Program

The Great Lakes Maritime Academy prepares students for the challenge of operating commercial ships of unlimited tonnage on the Great Lakes and oceans as merchant marine officers. Engineering officers are responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of engines and support machinery aboard ship. The vessel may be diesel powered with multiple engines or turbine powered operating on high pressure steam, capable of generating thousands of horsepower. The Marine Engineer must understand these systems and keep them operating 24/7. Engineering Officers are also responsible for the ship’s business as associated with all onboard equipment and mechanical aspects of the vessel.

All qualified engineering cadets write the U.S. Coast Guard examination for licensing as a Third Assistant Engineer, Steam and Motor Vessels of any Horsepower. Graduates are fully compliant with STCW International Quality Standards. The curriculum awards a Bachelor of Science degree in Maritime Technology. For those entering with a bachelor's degree, an accelerated program may be available dependent upon transferable credits.

Cadets in the Engineering Officer Program complete three sea projects while completing their academic curriculum.